Inter and Milan’s plans to rebuild San Siro are dividing opinion among local architects, as Corriere della Sera reported today.

The clubs submitted a Technical and Economic Feasibility Study to the Municipality of Milan last week, outlining their intention to build a 63,000-seater stadium and revamp the entire San Siro district.

The city council has until the start of November to approve or reject the plans, but Milanese residents have provided a mixed response.

“I’m surprised people aren’t forbidden from knocking down San Siro,” said Alberto Artioli, a former superintendent of architectural goods.

“The stadium should be protected because of its relative historic value. It’s an icon and a memory for everyone in the city.”

Fellow architect Mario Bellini was more favourable to Inter and Milan’s plans, which will be properly developed if the council declare a public interest before 7 November.

“Sometimes you need to start again from scratch in order to renew yourself and improve,” he told the paper.

“San Siro is a glorious relic but our teams need new stadiums which can act as the city’s sporting heart and fortress.”

Luca Molinari advocated renovating the existing San Siro, an idea both clubs have already discarded.

“I can imagine it as a covered ground without the third tier, which might make it suited to hosting cultural events,” he added.